Boxing Royalty, MMA Momentum: Price Weighs In on Pimblett’s Surge

Boxing and MMA might play by different rules, but in the UK, both now draw the same level of interest. Cities like Liverpool are central to that shift, producing figures who dominate headlines across both sports. David Price and Paddy Pimblett aren’t in the same weight class, code, or career stage, but their names continue to spark national discussion.

One represents boxing's past and the other MMA's possible future, yet both remain closely tied to the city and its fighting identity. That crossover has not gone unnoticed by the media and betting platforms. Sites such as 247Bet have expanded their scope beyond traditional ring talk, securing interviews that reflect how fight culture now overlaps.

Price’s recent conversation didn’t stay in the ring. It stretched into MMA, touching on Pimblett’s rise and what a title would mean for the city. While 247Bet boxing predictions aren’t traditional forecasts, the way matchups and momentum are discussed shows how betting-led media now lean into both sports. The overlap is no longer occasional; it’s expected.

Price’s Respect for Pimblett’s Position

David Price treats Paddy Pimblett as a serious athlete with a strong presence, both in the cage and in how he represents Liverpool. During the interview, Price pointed out that Pimblett has given MMA a bigger voice in the city, something that has grown since the days of Darren Till.

While Till helped bring early attention, Pimblett’s rise has added staying power. That view matches what’s been happening. Pimblett has headlined major UFC cards, stayed visible through post-fight coverage, and remains a fixture in lightweight division talk.

His record, currently sitting at 23 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, shows clear experience at a high level. His latest appearance in January 2026 may not have been perfect, but it kept him in the mix for bigger fights.

Price kept his view level. He didn’t claim Pimblett was guaranteed gold. Instead, he spoke about the importance of keeping focus, staying active, and not getting sidetracked. From a boxer who’s seen both ends of a fight career, that kind of perspective is a real assessment.

What a UFC Belt Would Mean for Liverpool

David Price didn’t downplay what a UFC title would mean if Paddy Pimblett were to bring it home. He said, “It’d be brilliant. We’d all be over the moon for Paddy because he’s a cracking lad... It will be superb, and well-deserved.” That support wasn’t just about the fighter. It was about what Pimblett represents for Liverpool.

The city already has a deep boxing history: fighters like Tony Bellew, Callum Smith, and Liam Smith have carried titles with pride. MMA has now carved out its own space alongside that. Pimblett, who trains out of Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, isn’t just another name on a fight card. He’s tied closely to the place, something Price clearly respects.

Price said Pimblett has pushed the sport to a new level in Liverpool, noting that while Darren Till helped build its presence, Pimblett has taken it even further. He credited him with bringing more attention to MMA and giving the city a clear name to rally behind.

For a city already known for producing tough, talented fighters, a UFC belt would lock MMA into Liverpool’s sporting identity. Price’s comments showed that it wouldn’t just be a career moment for Pimblett, it would be a shared win for a city that backs its own.

The Mental Side of a Title Push

David Price has always stressed the mental side of fighting. In his chat with 247Bet, he pointed to Paddy Pimblett’s mindset as one of the reasons he believes the UFC lightweight still has more to give.

“He’s such a good person outside of the sport,” Price said. “He’s really generous with his time and he’s always raising awareness for the right things.” That kind of balance, according to Price, helps fighters last longer under pressure.

When fighters stay in the spotlight as long as Pimblett has, the outside noise often becomes harder to block out. There are media demands, public expectations, and pressure to keep performing even when things go wrong. Pimblett has faced all of that, but he continues to show up in big fights.

Price knows that pressure well. He went from winning gold at the Commonwealth Games to chasing an Olympic medal with the public watching closely. He spoke openly about how the weight of expectation affected his own journey, which is why his support for Pimblett carries weight.

Momentum, Setbacks, and What Comes Next

Pimblett entered 2026 with both momentum and questions. His current streak includes a recent loss, which adds urgency to his next outing. Title conversations depend on results at lightweight, one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.

Price did not dismiss the difficulty of that path. He acknowledged that elite sport offers no guarantees. At the same time, he stressed that elite fighters often respond strongly after setbacks. That belief aligns with Pimblett’s career so far. He has rebuilt before and returned to headline slots.

Combat sport rarely moves in straight lines. Rankings shift quickly. A decisive win can place a fighter back in immediate contention. Price’s assessment frames Pimblett as someone capable of that rebound.

Boxing royalty may operate in a different arena, yet the respect runs both ways. When a former heavyweight contender weighs in on a UFC title chase, it signals that Pimblett’s surge carries weight far beyond the cage.